India, May 16 -- Political discussions over cabinet formation in Kerala intensified as Chief Minister-designate V. D. Satheesan continued consultations with Congress and United Democratic Front (UDF) leaders ahead of the new government's swearing-in ceremony.

The Congress-led UDF is expected to finalise key decisions regarding ministerial berths and portfolio allocation during a leadership meeting in Thiruvananthapuram.

Amid speculation over cabinet representation from Ernakulam, Satheesan asserted that his government would take a firm stand against communal polarisation and protect Kerala's secular values. He also defended the role of the Indian Union Muslim League within the UDF, calling attempts to portray the party as non-secular a ...